The Best Annual Whiskey Releases Of 2023

The Best Annual Whiskey Releases Of 2023

In 2023, the whiskey industry witnessed a diverse array of annual releases that captivated enthusiasts worldwide. Distilleries unveiled limited editions and special batches, each boasting unique flavor profiles and maturation techniques. From peaty and smoky expressions to rich and mellow bourbons, the releases showcased the artistry and innovation within the whiskey-making craft. Some distillers experimented with cask finishes, introducing intriguing combinations that added layers of complexity to the spirits. Overall, the annual whiskey releases of 2023 reflected the industry's commitment to pushing boundaries and offering aficionados a tantalizing selection of distinctive and exceptional drams. Shop 2023 whiskey!

Michter's Toasted Barrel Finish 2023 Rye Whisky

Experience the rich flavors of Michter's Toasted Barrel Finish 2023 Rye Whisky, boasting a 51.5% alcohol by volume. This 750ML expression, originating from the United States and crafted at Michter's Distillery, delivers a proof of 103 (51.5% ABV). Indulge in the distinctive character of this exceptional rye whisky from Michter's distillery. Buy it now!

Jack Daniel's 2023 Twice Barreled Heritage Barrel Rye

The Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Special Release series unveils an annually limited innovation from the Jack Daniel Distillery, and this year's edition, Heritage Barrel, puts a twist on the original. The Twice Barreled Heritage Barrel Rye is a tribute to our distillery's whiskey-making traditions and our cooperage's barrel-making expertise. Crafted from 70% rye, 18% corn, and 12% malted barley, this unique 2023 release undergoes double-barreling for a complex and one-of-a-kind tasting experience. Buy it now!

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Holiday Edition 2023

Woodford Reserve, rooted in flavor, traces its bourbon-making heritage back to 1812 at the site of the Woodford Reserve Distillery, now a National Historic Landmark. The Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey boasts a perfectly balanced taste, encompassing over 200 discernible flavor notes, ranging from robust grain and wood to sweet aromatics, spice, and floral fruit undertones. Ideal for crafting classic mixed drinks like Mint Juleps or Old Fashioneds, each bourbon barrel contributes to a rich dried fruit aroma and a smooth, satisfying finish. Woodford Reserve, a sensory spectacle akin to the holidays, offers 200 flavor notes—making it the perfect addition to every holiday home bar, Christmas party, and for that hard-to-shop-for friend. Crafted carefully, enjoy responsibly. Buy it now!

Pinhook Flagship 2023 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

In 2010, barman Sean Josephs, along with a team of top designers and marketing directors, founded Pinhook, adopting a wine-making approach to whiskey. The brand annually unveils a unique bourbon batch, treating each release like a fine vintage, capturing the barrel's essence at that specific moment. The pursuit of complexity and balance is relentless, emphasizing careful barrel selection, small-batch blending, and bottling at the opportune time. Pinhook has found its home at the Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, KY, where its products are given the proper time and space to shine. The 2023 release, Pinhook's flagship bourbon Resolve, spent three years and four months in oak barrels. With a mash bill of 75% corn, 15% rye, and 10% malted barley, this traditional bourbon is named after the esteemed Bourbon Resolve thoroughbred. Boasting welcoming butterscotch, dried apricot, and graham cracker notes on the nose, and roasted peanuts with candied cinnamon flavors on the palate, Resolve is bottled at 101.48 proof, delivering on its promises and captivating even the toughest crowds. Buy it now!

Michter's 10 Year Old Bourbon Whisky 2023

Michter's 10 Year Bourbon, matured in age and distinguished by exceptional quality, has rightfully earned its status as a perennial favorite among the most discerning whiskey connoisseurs. Awarded "Best American Whiskey" by Food & Wine magazine, this expression represents the pinnacle of patient aging and expert craftsmanship. Buy it now!

Barrell Bourbon New Year 2023 Cask Strength Whiskey

Established in 2013 by Joe Beatrice, Barrell Craft Spirits took a distinctive approach, operating as an experimental mixing ground without its own distillery. With a focus on sourcing and blending premium spirits from over 65 suppliers globally, their goal is to create whiskies that surpass the sum of their parts. Notably, their Blended Whiskey earned a Double Gold at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Each autumn, the BCS team collaborates to craft a special New Year's Eve blend. The 2023 batch, aged 5 to 10 years, is a cask-strength celebration bottled at 113.54 proof, showcasing a joyful medley of vanilla, oak spices, nutmeg, cardamom, and aniseed, saluting the promising adventures ahead. Buy it now!

WhistlePig StateStock Rye Land of Lincoln 2023

WhistlePig StateStock Rye is a 100% rye whiskey, emphasizing a predominant use of rye in its grain bill, distinguishing it from whiskies that incorporate corn or barley. Buy it now!

Pinhook Vertical Series Rye 7 Year 2023

Crafted from only 28 barrels, this 7-year-old rye stands as the most limited release in the Vertical Series to date. Its lively nose boasts caramel, orange zest, cedar, and clove, leading to a robust palate featuring chocolate, root beer, cardamom, and tobacco. The Vertical Series meticulously explores the impact of age on whiskey, tracking a single group of MGP barrels maturing from four to 12 years. Each vintage is proofed to showcase the unique blend attributes, allowing whiskey enthusiasts to embark on a nine-year journey through evolving flavors. This rye blend, with a composition of 95% rye, 5% malted barley, and 0% corn, is bottled at 105.12 proof. Pinhook, drawing parallels between horse racing and whiskey, dedicates each bottle to a promising young thoroughbred with classic jockey silk-inspired designs. The 7-year release is paired with Tiz Rye Time, born February 19, 2017, owned by Bourbon Lane Stables, and bred by Sierra Farm, offering a glimpse into the world of racing and its hopeful future. Buy it now!

Makers Mark Cellar Aged 2023 Bourbon

Indulge in the Makers Mark Cellar Aged 2023 Bourbon, bottled at cask strength with a final proof of 115.7 (57.85% ABV). This 750ML offering, originating from the United States and crafted at the Makers Mark Distillery, promises a robust and flavorful experience. Buy it now!

Blackened X Rabbit Hole Cask Strength 2023 Limited Release

The third installment in the BLACKENED Masters of Whiskey Series, BLACKENED x Rabbit Hole Heigold High Rye Double Malt Kentucky Straight Bourbon, results from the collaboration between Master Distillers Rob Dietrich of BLACKENED and Kaveh Zamanian, Founder & Hall of Fame Whiskey Maker at Rabbit Hole Distillery. This unique blend of straight bourbon whiskeys distilled in Tennessee and Kentucky undergoes a distinctive cask finish in Calvados casks. Bottled at cask strength and without chill filtration, it presents a harmonious marriage of flavors. Buy it now!

Old Forester 2023 Birthday Bourbon

Aged for more than 12 years in new charred oak barrels, this 750ML offering from Old Forester boasts an elegant flavor solely derived from meticulous care and original finesse. With a proof of 96 (48% ABV), this distinguished whiskey hails from the United States. Buy it now!

Pinhook High Proof Bourbon 2023

The 2023 vintage of Pinhook's High Proof Bourbon, aged over 4 years, presents a warm and rich nose featuring molasses, roasted peanuts, and caramel, leading to a dense palate of baked apricot, vanilla, and burnt sugar. This limited annual release is a small selection of the finest barrels, meticulously blended and bottled close to or at cask strength. The proof, chosen to maximize complex flavors and achieve a long and balanced finish, reflects the craftsmanship of this high-quality bourbon with a mash bill of 65% corn, 30% malted barley, and 5% rye. Pinhook, celebrating the synergy between horse racing and whiskey, dedicates each bottle to a promising young thoroughbred. The 2023 release is paired with Bourbon Resolve, foaled on April 19, 2020, owned by Bourbon Lane Stables and Six Column Stables, and bred by Kijong Kim. Standing at 16.2 hands, Bourbon Resolve is a well-balanced colt poised for a noteworthy three-year-old campaign. Buy it now!

Yellowstone 2023 Limited Edition Bourbon

With each iteration of Yellowstone Limited Edition, the only constant is the commitment to delivering top-shelf flavor with understated complexities. Buy it now!

Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon 2023

Indulge in the allure of Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon 2023. Each sip reveals a captivating blend of warm brown sugar and a robust, spicy kick. Delve further to discover a symphony of sun-kissed plums, tangy rhubarb, subtle dark cocoa notes, and delightful hints of juicy cherry. Buy it now!

George T. Stagg 2023

The 2023 release of George T. Stagg continues the tradition of blending high proof and high age to craft a robust and unforgettable bourbon. Buy it now!

High West Bourye 2023

The current release of High West Bourye is characterized by a rich array of aromas, including butterscotch sauce, stroopwafel, St. Louis gooey butter cake, cream soda, coconut cream, maple walnut fudge, dried nectarine, leather-bound books, and charred sandalwood. On the palate, flavors of honeycomb, walnut praline, brûléed banana, brown butter, ground ginger spice, dark chocolate, dark roast coffee, and hickory wood chips come to the forefront. The experience concludes with velvety sweetness, Saigon cinnamon, and English toffee notes lingering on the finish. Buy it now!

Blanton’s Single Barrel 2023 River Edition

For bourbon enthusiasts, the Blanton's Single Barrel 2023 River Edition is a must-have. With its limited availability and cask strength bottling, this whiskey stands out as a truly special and collectible gem. Buy it now!

Widow Jane 2023 Decadence Bourbon

Indulge in the decadent experience of Widow Jane 2023 Decadence Bourbon. Whether sipped neat or over ice, this 750ML expression, originating from the United States and crafted at the Widow Jane Distillery, offers a proof of 91 (45.5% ABV). Buy it now!

High West Campfire 2023 Edition

Introducing the High West Campfire (2023 Edition), a liquid embodiment of the dusty trail. This unique blend of bourbon, rye, and blended malt scotch unfolds with upfront notes of smoke and cooked meat, harmonized by sizzling rye spice, red fruit, and dark chocolate. The experience is further enriched with hints of seaweed, salt spray, and peat, creating a captivating symphony of flavors. Buy it now!

Little Book 2023 Chapter 7

Delight in the unique flavor of Little Book 2023 Chapter 7, a delicious whiskey offering. Packaged in a 750ML size, this expression hails from the United States and is crafted at the Little Book Distillery. With a robust proof of 118.1 (59.05% ABV), it promises a distinctive and enjoyable tasting experience. Buy it now!

Russell’s Single Rickhouse 2023 Release

Prepare for a revelation with the first sip of Russell’s Bourbon. Unfolding layers of flavor on your palate, this 750ML offering from the United States and crafted at the Wild Turkey Distillery delivers a symphony of tastes. From velvety toffee and butterscotch to subtle notes of dried fruit and spice, each element contributes to an extraordinary experience. Bottled at a robust proof of 117.6 (58.8% ABV), this bourbon promises a truly exceptional journey. Buy it now!

Angel's Envy Cask Strength 2023 Release Rye Whisky

The Angel's Envy Cask Strength Rye 2023 represents a notable milestone for the brand, being its inaugural venture into cask strength rye whiskey. With only 5,500 bottles in circulation, this limited-edition release underscores Angel's Envy's commitment to innovation in crafting exceptional whiskey. Buy it now!

Bookers Charlies Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon 2023

Booker's Charlie's Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon 2023, packaged in a 750ML size, is an ideal selection for special occasions or savoring on its own. With a robust proof of 126.6 (63.3% ABV), this bourbon originates from the United States and is crafted at the Bookers Distillery. Indulge in the distinct character of this exceptional release. Buy it now!

Bomberger's Declaration Small Batch Bourbon 2023

Bomberger's Declaration Small Batch Bourbon 2023 is a distinctive and exquisite whiskey that is sure to delight any bourbon enthusiast. Packaged in a 750ML size, this expression originates from the United States and is crafted at the Bomberger's Distillery. With a proof of 108 (54% ABV), it promises a unique and pleasurable experience for whiskey lovers. Buy it now!